15th Finance Commission: Kerala calls meet of southern states’ finance ministers | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

15th Finance Commission: Kerala calls meet of southern states’ finance ministers

Press Trust of India, Thiruvananthapuram | ByPress Trust of India
Mar 23, 2018 08:27 PM IST

Sources said Kerala finance minister personally contacted the southern ministers over phone and they have agreed to attend the meeting.

Kerala has called a meeting of finance ministers of southern states in Thiruvananthapuram on April 10 to discuss and arrive at a consensus on their response to the terms of reference of the 15th Finance Commission.

Kerala finance minister TM Thomas Isaac.(PTI Photo)
Kerala finance minister TM Thomas Isaac.(PTI Photo)

State finance minister Thomas Isaac sent a letter in this regard two days ago, government sources said.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Isaac has also personally contacted the southern ministers on phone and they have agreed to attend the meeting, the sources said.

The minister said the southern states were being “penalised” for successfully implementing national policies.

The 15th Finance Commission’s proposal to use 2011 census as the basis to allocate union tax revenues will affect all the southern states, according to financial department sources.

“All the southern states have implemented family planning measures from 1971 onwards as a result of which population of these states have come down since 1971. So the quantum of devolution of funds to the states will be affected if 2011 census is taken as the basis point,” the sources said.

As per the terms of reference, the government is also trying to reduce the ability of states to borrow from open markets, which was also a cause of worry, the sources said.

Unveiling 'Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!

Get Current Updates on Election 2024, India News, Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On